THE UK was at the forefront of a 14% hike in Toyota sales across Europe last year. Led by a sustained attack on the fleet market, UK sales rose 17% compared with a 9% rise in Germany and a 13% increase in France. And sales during January across the continent soared by 26%, to 43,600 units, as the new Avensis hit showrooms.

The surge in UK sales represents a return to the spirit of the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Toyota said it hoped to take 10% of the new car market by 1999. Although the company's performance in the past few years has failed to live up to that earlier confidence, analysts are predicting continuing UK growth for Toyota - especially in the fleet sector.

Despite the results across the continent, Toyota says it is not yet in a position to consider pan-European fleet and leasing deals, but further plans include the 'revitalisation and reinforcement' of the Lexus brand, and an ongoing programme to refresh Toyota's brand image.